Water-heater.



L. D-. LOVEKIN. WATER HEATER. APPLICATION FILED MAR. I0, 19H) I Patented Jan. 4,1916.

2 SHEETSSHEE]' I.

' WITNESSES A'ITORNEY L. D. LOVEKIN. WATER HEATER. APPLICATION FIL ED MAR. 10, i915.

Patented Jan. 4, 1916.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

INVENTVOR 2 ME%' I JBY B I i ATTORNEY LUTHER ntovnKiiv, orjrHinAD E PI- IIA;PENNsYLvAur TER- uman.

' To all whom it may concern Be it known'that 1-, LUTHER D. LOvE KIN, a-citizenof the United States of America, residing in the city and countyjof Philadel- State of Pennsylvania, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in phi a ater-Heaters, of which the following isa be ng true and exact description; reference had to the accompany ngdrawings, wluch form apart thereof.

My present invention relates to the kind V I The latter lsadapted to fuse, and permit of water heater in whiehlwater isheated by the combustion of fluid fuel, andtheheated;

water is heated n oripassed into a chamber normally filled with water under a substantial pressure regardlessof the temperature Y the :water space rises to the predetermined of the water.

i use in connection with domestic water heat ers which are "connected to the usuaL city I mains or other systems supplying water the supply of either to faulty adjustment of, or to defects" stall,

under pressure, and which are heated by gas burners. i

The object of my invention is to provide means which are both certain in operation and relatively inexpensive to construct, in-w and maintain for shutting ofl the sup ply offluid fuel tothe burner',0f a water,- heater of thekind referred to above, w-henever the temperature of thewaterin the storage tank oroth'er hot Water-container v injurious consequences heretofore resulting attendant to turn" off the supply of fuel when the need for. its further operation ceases, and in gas at the proper time,' due' in the thermostatic mechanism.

, The continued operation I of period in which no 'hotwater is being juti lized, not only involves a waste of fuel, butl -}S a source of danger-and of serious property damage. The consequent overheating of the water heater inevitably weakens the latter,

Specification of Letters Patent.

My inventionis' particularlyintendedfor heaters in which the fuel V supply is wholly under manual control under normal condi; tions'.- In the last case, my improvement protects against the from. a failure of the the othercase, from a failure i of the thermostatic mechanismato interrupt the. fuel burner of a water heater for, anindefinite Paten ed Ja 4,1916.

ApplicetioniiledMerch lo; 1915. Seria;1No. 13,336. i

and not infrequently causes the boiler org other hot water containingchamber of the to'i'njure the connected piping 'and'fittings.

, To accomplish theobject'of jvalve in the gas supply 'line nand connect closed by'a plug of suitable fusible material.

the transmission of thepres sureof the water space of the'heater'to the pressure chamber whenever the temperature of the. water in temperature at whichthe fusible plug gives way.

with particularity in'the claims annexed to ,heater to burst, and the excessive tempera-1 tures and pressures engendered are also. apt

I my inventionli j I provide a fiu' d pressure operated out off 5 -lhe. various features of novelty which, a characterize my nvent on areypointed out and forming'a part of this specification,

For a better understanding of the invention, :however, andgt'he advantages possessed by it, reference should behad to the 'fa'cco'm-J'f panyingn drawings an I whlch I haveillustrated and described ferred'i forms of myfinvention;

diagrammatic elevation ofone common type "In Fig. l'ofzthe drawingsjl have illus domestic water Whichthere is a storage tankA, and a circulating pipe C connected totank' A at top and bottom and comprising ajcoil portion C located in {the casing ofla separate gas heater proper, of whichBis; the gas burner.

city water mains "or F. and F represent d descriptiye matterin 1 Of the drawings: Figure its a somewhat ofjfdom'estic water heater in which my 1n- 'vention-is employed; Fig. 2 is-a partialsec-f 'tional-elevation .of another form of water heater in which my invention is employed; Fig. 3 isa sectional elevation on a; larger fscale than Figs. -1c and 2," of the cut 0E valveemployedrFig. 4 is a view generally similar to Fig. v1illustratin g a slightly modi-i fied arrangement; and Fig.5 is a" sectional elevation of thev fusible plugholder, and

' the fittingin whichit is'mounted, employed inFig. 4.- a r ,D represents the outlet pipe-for hot-water, and E, the coldwater supply j pipecounecting the tank -A to the other supply source. a I sectionsfof the I gas supply for/the the Valve? in r e s the latter,

, l a trated the application of my invent on to a g heater of common type in i lation of the hand lever B.

' to receive the bushing J The axial passage aperture Gr burner B. The'supply of gas'to the burner B is normally controlled by directmanipu- I The pipes F and F are connected to the outlet and inlet, respectively, of the fiuid pressure cut off valve G shown in detail in Fig. 3. As shown, the casing of the valve G comprises a body portion G externally threaded at G to permit it to be screwed into the wall of the heater storage tank, and internally threaded at (i is normally closed by .a fusible material. At its is provided through the latter plug K, of suitable outer end the casing portion G with a flange portion, with the flange portion of a cap member G, forms a chamber for the flexible diaphragm H of copper, leather or the like, clamped at its periphery between the cap G and casing section G The cap G is provided with a central hollow boss G to which the gas supply pipe section F is connected. At the inner end of the boss G a valve seat Gr is formed. Adapted to engage the seat G and close the passage through the boss Gr when the fusible plug K yields, is a valve which might be simply the central portion of the valve G from the tank, and put a new plug which in conjunction K in .place. In practice, when the valve G is detached from the tank, the previously used bushing or plug holder J is ordinarily replaced by a similar bushing having a fusible plug K operatively mounted therein.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the valve mechanism shown in Fig. 3 is very simple in construction and reliable in operation, and in particular that it is well adapted to resist deterioration with age and is not apt to become inoperative through a long period of non-use. The wall of the diaphragm shown as being, reference to the so shaped and disposed with diaphragm that the latter .will be effectually supported by the wall diaphragm H, but advantageously, as shown,

is a disk'h of leather, suitable valve forming the center of the diaphragm H.- The cap member G is alsovformed with a threaded at the side of the central boss G through which the gas supply pipe section F is secured to the. casing of the valve G.

Normally the valve 72.. is in its wide open position, and the helical spring I, is employed to insurethis. Free communication is thus normally maintained between the pipe sections F and F. When thetemperature of the water in the tank A rises to the predetermined maximum, fixed by the composition of the fusible plug K, the latter softens and gives way under the pressure in the tank. The Water then passes through the central passage of the bushing J into the adjacent chamber G of the valve G and acting against the flexible diaphragm H, forces the valve k tightly against its seat, thus interrupting the passage of gas from pipe section F to the pipe section F and thence to the burnerB. The pressure of the water acting on the one side of the diasoft metal or other material secured to against injurious distortion when the water pressure is admitted to act against the dia- Inasmuch as the valve 71. seats phragm.

it prevents snugly against the valve seat G the passage of water into the gas'supply mains through the pipe section F in case the diaphragm H leaks. The possibility of a leaky diaphragm is of course, small, and with the construction shown, where p the water passing through the leaky diaphragm would escape at the gas burner ordinarily on to a kitchen or basement floor, such leakage, if it did occur, would in most cases do but very little damage.

In Fig. 2 I have illustrated the use of my inventionin connection with a water heater of the type in which a combustion chamber A is centrally disposed within a storage tank AA, and the supply of gas to the burner BB is normally controlled by the thermostatic valve M having a portion m of its thermostatic mechanism extending into the water space of the storage tank AA. In this use of the apparatus, the valve will ordinarily be set to close off the supply of fuel when the water in the tank AA rises to some predetermined temperature, which seldom is as high as 200 Fah. and ordinarily is about 170 Fah. Under these conditions the fusible plug K in the valve G which controls the supply of gas through the pipe sections 7"" and f to the inlet of the thermostatic valve mechanism M, will ordinarily be of such a character that the plug will yield at a temperature of say 250 Fah. The plug K may be formed out of various materials. In practice I ordinarily employ a lead, tin, bismuth alloy having its different constituents proportioned, as those skilled in the art will understand, to insure its yielding at thedesired maximum temperature.

In Fig. 2 I have shown the valve G as connected into the lower portion of the tank AA. This simplifies and shortens the gas pipe connection somewhat in many cases. There is this advantage, however, in placing the valve G at the top of the storage chamber may well be, and is tank as shown in Fig. 1,-rather than at the bottom, as shown in Fig. 2,-that when placed at the top, it is not necessary to empty the tank preparatory to G for the insertion of a new fusible plugK. In so far as the general operation of my invention is concerned, however, it .is imma- 7 storage space.

terial whether the fusible plug K is located at the top or the bottom of the storage tank,

since in this type of a heater, whenco'n-j structed with the proper circulating pro- \'isions,'tl1e1'e is no great difference tem- Y perature between differentportions of the In the arrangement shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the fluid pressure cut off valve G is lo-i cated adjacent the burner level and is con nected to the storage tank AA not directly, but through the pipe 0 and fitting I. fusible plug K and arrangement, are mounted in the fitting P which is externally threaded at I? into the I ing of a new holder- J A into place,

proof in that made to locate tan'k AA. The fitting P is internally threaded at I to receive the threaded interf mediate portion J of the plug holder J A; The outerend of the latter is shown "as pro vided with a head J so extended that when the cap P closing the otherwise open outer end of the fitting P is removed the head J may be readily engaged by an ordinary V The holder J A is shown as hollow from end to end, and also as provided with which is in wrench.

a lateral port J. The pipe communication with the space in the fitting -I"-surrounding-the outer end" of the 'holder as connected to the threaded,

JA, is shown I lateral ,bos's P" ofthe fittingby an ordinary union coupling 0.

The arrangement shown in Figs. 4 and 5 obviously permits thevalve G and fusible plug K each to be located in its most convenient position. construction, the fusible plug holder can be removed and replaced without disturbing any piping, nothing more being involved than the removal of the cap P the unscrewing of the plug holder J A in use, the screwandv the replacement of the cap P Advantageously as shown, the seat for the plug Kin the holder J A as in the holder J is tapered and J threaded as shown.

It will be apparent art that my improvement provides a very effective protection againstthe-dangers-of overheating, and that it is practically fool it is not susceptible of adjustment or manipulation, affecting its opera-. tion, and particularly the temperature at which it operates, by the ordinary unskilled users of water heaters of this kind.

I am aware of the general prior knowledge and use of fusible safety devices,.and in. particular, of the proposals heretofore a fusible plug or part in a.

the removal of the valve H 1 6 its holder JAin this ing a water space Furthermore with this to .those skilled inthe v heated connected by a passage.

steam generating boiler so as to besub-. T i

merged with normal water levels: therein and to be exposed and heated'. to a higher temperature than the water in, the boiler and thereby caused"to yield on a: fall j-ili:

yields.

heater of the general type specified, with a} fuel controlling fuel pressure valve Tadapted to be' closed and held i closed bythe water pressure in, the water space; offthe -lieater i'.

whenever .the temperature ,of'thewater I that space rises to a predetermined 'value at thereby permits water to pass'from said the. pressure fehamber of which the fusible plug employed yields, and

storage space into the cutoff valve.

of the statutes. I have illustrated andfcle1-. scribed ,the best forms'of my in entioninow known tonne, it will be, apparent to those- IVhile in accordance {with the 9G I skilled in the art'that changes may be made in the.. form's ofapp'aratus desclosed without departing fronrthe spirit ofinyinvention,

andthat under 'someconditions certain tea; tures of my invention maybe used without a corresponding use ofother features} 1 Having now described my invention what.

I claimasnew; andf desi'ietoisecurefby LettersgPatent, 1s:

' .lehInW-a wateialreateraotith zkind 7 containing the 'fheate'd I filled-withwater under water and normally pressure," means for heating the water, con tamed in said space by V 4 the combustion f. fluid fuel,a normally open fiu'id pressure.

motor valve adapted when closed to,inte1- rupt the fuel supply to said heater and compr slnga motor chamber, the latter being 'e of the water n said space, and adapted to yield and permit the passageof water .from'said" space into the said under pressure, means for heating the water contained 1nsaid space by the: combustion of fiuid fuel, a-norinallyopen fluid pressure .connectedto'said;space apassagefand affus ble obstruction normally closingsaid passageand Sub eeted'to the tempera 111 motor chainb'er 'ofsaid valve, whereby thelatter is closed, on .a'pre} determined' rise of temperature of thewater f i i in said storage space. a 2. In a water-Theater of the kind compris. ing 'a'water-storage space containing :the j water and normally filled with water I motor valve adapted when closed toin'ter-fl v.

rupt the fu elsupp'ly to said heater 'andcom; f Y

prising a motor chamber, the. latter bein gj to said stora ge space at the upperend ofthelatter, and a fusible,

I spaeefinto the a motor chamber, the latter obstrupt ion normally closing said passage a t c s; J, ted to the temperature of the v t er;' f;;1n said space and adapted to yield and permit the passage of Water from said said motor chamber of said valve, whereby the latter is closed, on a predetermined rise of temperature of the water in said storage space.

3. In a water heater of the kind comprising: a water space containing the heated water a'ndnormally filled with water under pressure, and a fluid burner for heating the water; and in combination therewith, means controllingthe supply of fuel to said burner comprising a thermostatic valve mechanism normally regulating'the supply of fuel to the burner and normally adapted to interrupt the fuel supply when the water in said space reaches a predetermined temperature,

and a'normall open fluid pressure motor valve adapted, when closed, to interrupt the fuel'supply to said motor and comprising being connected to said water space by a passage, and a fusible obstruction normally closing said passage and subjected to the temperature of the ater in said space and adapted to yield and'permit the passage of water from said space into the said motor chamber ofsaid valve, whereby the latter is closed, when the water in said water space rises to a predewater termined temperature higher than the first mentioned temperature.

4. In a water heater of the kind comprising a water space containing'the heated water and normally filled with water under pressure and a gas burner for heating the contained in said space, and in combination therewith, means for controlling the fuel supply to said burner comprising a fluid pressure motor valve formed with a diaphragm chamber, a diaphragm mounted in said valve and dividing said chamber into a g: s compartment and a water compartment, normally open gas inlet to said compartment a gas supply pipe connected thereto, a connection leading from said gas compartment to the burner, said water compartment being connected to said water space by a passage, and a fusible obstruction normally closing said passage and subjected to the temperature of the water in said space but adapted to yield and permit the passage of water from said space into said water compartment to thereby cause said dis.- phragm to seal said gas inlet on a n'edetermined'rise of tem mrature of the water in said water space.

LUTHER D. LOVEKIN. \Vitnesses:

'Anxonn Ka'rz, 

